Session: 03-06-01 Composite Material Design and Modelling

Submission Number: 176421

Numerical and Experimental Validation of a Composite Propeller Design: Insights From the Copropel Research Project 

Composite propellers represent a promising technology for reducing weight and cavitation and enhancing hydrodynamic efficiency. However, its adoption is hindered by a lack of concrete case studies and demonstrations. The CoPropel research project addresses this gap by developing a marine composite propeller for a small passenger vessel, "Le Palais." The CoPropel propeller, with a diameter of 1.095m, has been designed for two operating conditions. This paper presents a comprehensive numerical and experimental validation process based on the Bureau Veritas Guidance Note NI663 Propeller in Composite Materials. The design process of the propeller is detailed, including its assessment under static and fatigue conditions, as well as the validation of the bolted connection to the hub achieved through a comparison of Finite Element Analysis with experimental results. The characterisation tests campaign is conducted to validate the mechanical properties of the materials and a Structural Health Monitoring system adapted for propeller made in composite materials is developed. Moreover, the blade manufacturing process is introduced, detailing the steps involved, the mold development phases and the final quality control of each blade. Finally, sea trials are conducted over several days in the Atlantic Ocean, where speed and power and underwater radiated noise are measured, and manoeuvrability tests are performed. The paper provides insights from the CoPropel research project, highlighting the advantages of composite propeller technology.

Presenting Author: Stephane Paboeuf Bureau Veritas

Presenting Author Biography: Stéphane Paboeuf leads the Composite Materials Section in Bureau Veritas Marine & Offshore's Research Department. He specializes in marine and offshore structures, managing research projects and studies on composite materials and bonding for various maritime sectors. Joining Bureau Veritas in 2008 as a senior surveyor and finite element expert, he later became Project Manager of the Safety, Energy and Environment Section. His prior experience includes work at the French Shipbuilding Research Institute and as a naval engineering consultant. Paboeuf is a member of the International Ship and Offshore Structures Congress Committee on Materials and Fabrication Technology.

Authors:

Stephane Paboeuf Bureau Veritas
Maxime Deydier Bureau Veritas
Kyriaki Tsirka University of Ioannina
Alkiviadis Paipetis University of Ioannina
Maria Xenidou University of Ioannina
Andreas Kalogirou University of Ioannina
Clément Retiere Loiretech
Mael Moret Loiretech
Pierre Berthelot MECA
Dimitrios Fakis Brunel University London
Sebastien Loubeyre Bureau Veritas Solutions Marine & Offshore
Nick Markov Bulgarian Ship Hydrodynamics Centre
Swaroop Narayanannair TWI
Leonidas Drikos Glafcos Marine
Angeliki Deligianni Glafcos Marine
Fotis Oikonomou Danaos Shipping Company Limited
Dimitris Kaklis Danaos Shipping Company Limited